Test drove the new RL

[jlindy]

ditto. too slow. also - quality was not up to BMW 5 series standards.
salesman kept saying to compare it to a 5 series BMW. finally i said to the salesman "want to drive my 540?". he shut up after that.

I completely disagree. Before this, I drove the 525 and the 545i and was not at all impressed with much of anything, especially handling and power. (I can't imagine it would be any different in the 540 and probably worse) I test drove the Mercedes E class and was not at all impressed either. Both cars drove very nice, but did not even compare with what the RL had to offer. I don't love the outside of the RL as much as some of the other cars because I think it looks like a bigger version of the Accord. I don't know what the acceleration times of it are either, but I agree with others that it needs to be a V8, even though it is 300 HP. Nobody has commented on the fact that the RL (according to their factory brochure) tested in lateral g's almost identical to the NSX. There is no way the benz or bimmer can come close to that.

If the M35 has anything close to the RL in amenities, it would be hard not to consider it. Headlights that adjust based on speed and direction, and a warning sound if you wander outside of a lane. For a sedan, it looks great inside and out. My only complaint is that the options are too pricey.

 

[nsxtasy]

Could you possibly post this article. I would love to see the acceleration times of all the cars, price as test, specs, etc. Maybe I will just go and pick one up. I love the look of the M35/45, but I like all that the RL has to offer. I love the exterior of the TL, but like the inside of the RL.

As Dave noted, it's the March issue, on the newsstands now or soon. The cover says "FUTURE SHOCK! 43 HOT DRIVES WORTH WAITING FOR" and the top of the cover mentions the article we're discussing, "SIX APPEAL: $45K luxu-sport sedans duke it out".

Regarding price, they only used an estimated price ($42K) for the M35 because it's not on sale yet, and obviously that does not include options like HID, heated seats, nav system, satellite radio, 4WD, etc. The highest as-tested price was for the 530i Sport, $56,645, vs a base price for that car of $46,095. They did not show the breakdown of differences by item. As you can see, though, a difference of $10,500 can turn a $46K car into a $57K car - and that's a significant difference.

For each model tested, here are the horsepower, curb weight, 0-60 time, and 1/4 mile time:

2005 Acura RL 300 4005 6.7 15.0
2005 Audi A6 3.2 quattro AT6 255 4065 7.3 15.4
2004 BMW 530i Sport 225 3733 6.8 15.2
2005 Cadillac STS V6 255 3948 6.8 15.0
2005 Infiniti M35 280 3790 6.3 14.7
2005 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 235 3739 7.8 15.9

 

[White92]

I don't love the outside of the RL as much as some of the other cars because I think it looks like a bigger version of the Accord.

It's funny you mention that. The current Accord has never really appealed to me as far as the exterior, but since the 05 RL has come out, the Accord looks even better to me. I think it might be because I really do like the looks of the new RL.

 

[Zman]

jlindy,

You need to drive an M5 before making your decision. I was invited to my local dealers RL premier and had time to test it along with A6 and E320. It is a nice car no doubt about, typical Acura. But it is no comparison to an M car!! My car seemed like a raging monster when I left the event. It was then that I realized that I am driving the Ultimate Driving Machine!! I was actually hoping the RL would make me say "I must have this car!" But it didn't. It looks like a bloated Accord but has some cool electronics. The RL would definitely be a good solid practical everyday car but lacking the fun factor of a 6 speed 400hp beast!!

Juice et al..

My M5 is my daily driver in Michigan. You DON'T need AWD or front wheel drive, it's all about the tires. I have Dunlop winter sport M3's on the car and have no problems with the winter. You just have to have two sets of wheels with cars like this.

 

[brahtw8]

My M5 is my daily driver in Michigan. You DON'T need AWD or front wheel drive, it's all about the tires. I have Dunlop winter sport M3's on the car and have no problems with the winter. You just have to have two sets of wheels with cars like this.

I know it can be done, but are there times where you wish you were driving an AWD or FWD, even with snows?

Getting through on snow tires and car control is fine, but sometimes its nice to just get in my nose-heavy FWD and plow myself home, rather than making sure to match all my shifts and brake in a straight line during the commute.

That said, I shop E39 M5s every few days, and have for the past six months since I finally broke down and allowed myself to drive one.

I have convinced myself I now need 3 cars. The NSX, the M5 and the TL. But unless that M5 is an E28 (which is a possiblity), it will have to wait a couple of years. That or I can get rid of the TL and buy an older winter beater, but the TL is so nice in the winter.

I hate to see my TL covered in salt like it was last week. To see an M5 become a rolling salt-lick would sting even more.

 

[Zman]

. To see an M5 become a rolling salt-lick would sting even more.

I can't stand to see my baby covered in salt but it's a car and you have to drive it!! I refuse to have two "seasonal" cars. Get the M5 and dump the TL, you will never look back!! The car really does handle great in the snow, at least as with as much as we get here.

After sitting in the new E60 M5, I think the E39 M5 is the way to go. The interior of the new M5 seemed very "cheap." The bolster of the driver seat was already worn out at the Autoshow. Also, I still can't fathom the whole SMG thing, I like having a clutch and shifting.

 

[jlindy]

I can't stand to see my baby covered in salt but it's a car and you have to drive it!! I refuse to have two "seasonal" cars. Get the M5 and dump the TL, you will never look back!! The car really does handle great in the snow, at least as with as much as we get here.

After sitting in the new E60 M5, I think the E39 M5 is the way to go. The interior of the new M5 seemed very "cheap." The bolster of the driver seat was already worn out at the Autoshow. Also, I still can't fathom the whole SMG thing, I like having a clutch and shifting.

Love the M5 looks and performance, but deathly scared of the many horror stories on maintenance. I need to get a car that has CPO to consider it, but hearing a lot of 40k mile cars on their 3rd clutch that scares me. I really do love the voice activated navi of the honda/acura too.

 

[Zman]

Love the M5 looks and performance, but deathly scared of the many horror stories on maintenance. I need to get a car that has CPO to consider it, but hearing a lot of 40k mile cars on their 3rd clutch that scares me. I really do love the voice activated navi of the honda/acura too.

No problems with my clutch so far, in fact not a single problem in almost 3 years. Get an M5, you want one!!

 

[jlindy]

No problems with my clutch so far, in fact not a single problem in almost 3 years. Get an M5, you want one!!

Hey Zman, maybe you should consider selling me yours?? :biggrin: :biggrin:

 

[Zman]

Hey Zman, maybe you should consider selling me yours?? :biggrin: :biggrin:

You would have to take a number, have several other people who want the car when it comes off lease but I think I'm just going to buy it. Sorry!! :biggrin: :biggrin:

 

[jlindy]

Allright, I just got back from test driving a 2000 M5 and I have to say it was REALLY fun to drive other than getting use to the clutch which engages so quickly when you let up on it from the floor. I love the sound and the torque is addicting. Thanks Zman for your advice and you don't have to worry about the pictures if you don't want other than a comparison point for me. You were right about the Navi being ok and not near the Acura, but a small price to pay for 400 horses. :smile:

It was a black/black 2000 with 42k miles and they are asking 39,900 which I think is a little high. It is not CPO, but they can get me their extended warranty that is bumper to bumper. (not a BMW dealer) The weird thing is that the carfax shows the vehicle imported to the US on 6/17/02 and titled first with 20k miles on it in the US. Should I assume it was a used car shipped to the US and that had been titled overseas first, or could this be funny business?

Vin# is WBSDE9344YBZ96420

 

[Zman]

I knew you would like it!! Much different than a 545! Did you drive in the sport mode with the DSC off? The car really moves when you do this and you can spin the tires in just about every gear!! When I got my car they wouldn't let me test drive it until I bought it!! I could have backed out if I didn't like it though.

My '02 will be worth about $44,000 come Nov when lease is up. I will have about 30,000 miles then. I don't know what to make of that registration in US in '02 on a '00.

By the way, the interior of the '02 is slightly different from the '00. The navi screen is larger and laid out differently. Do you still what to see pics?

Good luck with your choice!!

 

[jlindy]

I knew you would like it!! Much different than a 545! Did you drive in the sport mode with the DSC off? The car really moves when you do this and you can spin the tires in just about every gear!! When I got my car they wouldn't let me test drive it until I bought it!! I could have backed out if I didn't like it though.

My '02 will be worth about $44,000 come Nov when lease is up. I will have about 30,000 miles then. I don't know what to make of that registration in US in '02 on a '00.

By the way, the interior of the '02 is slightly different from the '00. The navi screen is larger and laid out differently. Do you still what to see pics?

Good luck with your choice!!

Yes please, send over pics. The 00 had such a small navi screen it was hard to see. I would like to see the difference. No I didn't drive it in the sport mode with the DSC off because I didn't know anything about it. I wish I would have. :smile:

 

[jlindy]

I don't know if any of you have taken the new Infinit M45 on a test drive, but it is an amazing vehicle. 0 to 60 in 5.3 and 1/4 mile in 13.8 with air conditioned seats, reverse camera, voice activation navi, 14 SPEAKERS with 5.1 surround, laser cruise, lane departure warning, .90 lateral G, push button start with intelligent key that sets your seat levels, unlocks your doors, and stereo preference based on whose key it recognizes, etc., etc., etc. I was extremely impressed with this car.

The RL was great, but nothing like this. The TL looks better than the RL, but didn't have the amenities of the RL, plus I couldn't get over that torque steer of the front wheel drive. Compared to the Infiniti and Acura, the E class Mercedes was an absolute joke and the 5 series Bimmer wasn't impressive either. The M5 is another story, and I am toggling between the two but it comes down to cost and availability. The M5's are hard to find and my wife is strongly leaning towards the M45, but the M5 is one hell of a car.

 

[NetViper]

Any idea what the M45 will be after options? As ken noted, the base price of the M35 was 8K less than the RL, but with options was nearly identical. So that would make the M45 at least $55K. Anyway, according to the magazines, it sounds like one hell of a car.

The biggest complains from the press about the RL is still no V8 and the lack of low-end grunt from the 3.5 V6.

 

[jlindy]

Any idea what the M45 will be after options? As ken noted, the base price of the M35 was 8K less than the RL, but with options was nearly identical. So that would make the M45 at least $55K. Anyway, according to the magazines, it sounds like one hell of a car.

The biggest complains from the press about the RL is still no V8 and the lack of low-end grunt from the 3.5 V6.

There's a M45 and M45 sport and the base prices of those are:
Base Styles (MSRP: $47,360)
Sport Styles (MSRP: $50,160)

I am happy with just the base M45. Here are the options:

Premium Package w/Sirius
Includes Infiniti DVD navigation system with Birdview, Bose Studio Surround sound system with digital 5.1 channel decoding, 14 speakers, Audio Pilot Noise Compensation, Intelligent Cruise Control with preview braking, Lane Departure Warning, Sirius satellite radio, climate-controlled front seats, HID xenon low-beam headlights with automatic leveling, Adaptive Front Lighting System, advanced rearview monitor, pre-crash seatbelts, HomeLink universal transceiver with rolling code capability, mirror mounted compass, DVD player, 8" power retractable rear screen, 2 wireless headphones, remote control, rear heated and power reclining seats, rear seat HVAC and audio controls and power rear sunshade. INCLUDES U02 and V01 and A03.
P01 Premium Package w/XM
Includes Infiniti DVD navigation system with Birdview, Bose Studio Surround sound system with digital 5.1 channel decoding, 14 speakers, Audio Pilot Noise Compensation, Intelligent Cruise Control with preview braking, Lane Departure Warning, XM satellite radio, climate-controlled front seats, HID xenon low-beam headlights with automatic leveling, Adaptive Front Lighting System, advanced rearview monitor, pre-crash seatbelts, HomeLink universal transceiver with rolling code capability, mirror mounted compass, DVD player, 8" power retractable rear screen, 2 wireless headphones, remote control, rear heated and power reclining seats, rear seat HVAC and audio controls and power rear sunshade. INCLUDES U02 and V01 and A01.
U01 Technology Package w/XM
Includes Infiniti DVD navigation system with Birdview, Bose Studio Surround sound system with digital 5.1 channel decoding, 14 speakers, Audio Pilot Noise Compensation, Intelligent Cruise Control with preview braking, Lane Departure Warning and XM satellite radio. REQUIRES J01. INCLUDES U02 and A01.
U01 Technology Package w/Sirius
Includes Infiniti DVD navigation system with Birdview, Bose Studio Surround sound system with digital 5.1 channel decoding, 14 speakers, Audio Pilot Noise Compensation, Intelligent Cruise Control with preview braking, Lane Departure Warning and Sirius satellite radio. REQUIRES J01. INCLUDES U02 and A03.
J01 Journey Package
Includes Bose 2-channel premium audio system with 8 speakers, climate-controlled front seats, HID xenon low-beam headlights with automatic leveling, Adaptive Front Lighting System, advanced rearview monitor, pre-crash seatbelts, HomeLink universal transceiver with rolling code capability and mirror mounted compass.
U02 Navigation System
Includes DVD-based Infiniti navigation system with Birdview and 8" color LCD vehicle information system screen.
V01 DVD MES
Includes DVD player, 8" power retractable rear screen, 2 wireless headphones and remote control. REQUIRES J01.
R92 Aerodynamic Body Kit
Includes front/rear lower fascias, side sills and rear decklid spoiler. INCLUDES R93.
W02 18" Chrome Wheels
REQUIRES J01 or P01 or P01.
A03 Sirius Satellite Radio

A01 XM Satellite Radio

R93 Rear Deck Spoiler

T01 18" Full Size Spare
NOT AVAILABLE with P01, P01.
B94 Painted Splash Guards
NOT AVAILABLE with R92.
T93 Trunk Mat w/Full-size Spare Tire
REQUIRES T01.
T92 Trunk Mat w/Standard Space Saver Spare Tire
NOT AVAILABLE with T01.


The technology package together with the journey package is 6950, and I am considering the aero kit, but not sure. Therefore the price would be $54310 at sticker. Not bad for what you get, but it is a little more expensive than the RL. However, the M35 beat it in almost every category and it is a few thousand cheaper than the RL loaded. I could get the premium package, but I don't care if I have the DVD for the back seat passengers, climate control and heated/reclining seats in the back because I know I will never be there. :wink:

All pricing is on infiniti.com and edmunds.com now.